PM Modi Meets US Ambassador-Designate Sergio Gor Amid Ongoing Tariff Tensions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met Sergio Gor, the newly appointed US Ambassador-designate to India, at his residence in the capital. The meeting comes at a delicate time in Indo–US relations, with both nations engaged in intense discussions over trade and tariff issues.
PM Modi shared details of the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), saying,
“Glad to receive Mr. Sergio Gor, Ambassador-designate of the US to India. I’m confident that his tenure will further strengthen the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.”
Gor, who was recently confirmed by the US Senate, arrived in New Delhi for a six-day visit accompanied by Deputy Secretary for Management and Resources Michael J. Rigas.
During the meeting, Gor presented Prime Minister Modi with a framed photograph from a White House press conference held in February, featuring Modi and former US President Donald Trump, inscribed with the message — “Mr PM, you are great” and signed by Trump himself.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met the envoy-designate, describing the discussion as “productive” and highlighting the global importance of India–US cooperation.
“Pleased to meet Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor of the US today in New Delhi. Discussed the India-US relationship and its global significance,” Jaishankar posted on social media, wishing him success in his new role.
The diplomatic engagement takes place amid escalating tensions over tariff policies between New Delhi and Washington. The Trump administration recently increased duties on Indian goods to 50%, including a 25% levy on crude oil imported from Russia — a decision India has criticized as “unfair and unreasonable.”
Sergio Gor, 38, is a long-time associate of former President Donald Trump and a former White House personnel director. He was nominated in August to serve as US Ambassador and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs.
Following his confirmation, Gor expressed gratitude to Trump for his trust and support, saying he was “beyond grateful” for the opportunity. His appointment was part of a large batch of 107 confirmations approved by the US Senate, with 51 votes in favor and 47 against.
As he begins his diplomatic tenure, Gor’s visit is seen as a crucial opportunity to stabilize trade discussions and reaffirm the strategic depth of the India–US partnership.
